2014 Steel Wheels Conference, 1 February

The 2014 Annual Steel Wheels Conference

Once again RailPAC and NARP are presenting the annual Steel Wheels Conference, a must for rail advocates. Conveniently located at the Metro Board Room at Union Station this meeting will kick off the 75th anniversary of the station with information and discussion about the issues facing passenger rail. This could be a year of opportunity, or a very tough year for passenger rail. The national network is struggling, to put it mildly. The Empire Builder service is falling apart, a combination of a surge in freight traffic and extreme weather. The Southwest Chief is in jeopardy, who will pay to maintain the track? The Coast Starlight is a shadow of its former self, with a reduced consist and threat of loss of the Pacific Parlor car. At the same time the regional and commuter trains are underfunded. Punctuality remains poor on the Surfliner service. What will the new Joint Powers Boards do that the old management could not accomplish? These questions and more will be raised at our February 1st meeting in Los Angeles. This is our chance to show the politicians and Amtrak management that we care about these issues, and that we, and the public, deserve better. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting.

Some of the officials coming to the February 1 Meeting (UPDATED January 27);
Not in order of appearance!

About Us

Our Mission is to promote the development of a modern, sustainable, environmentally friendly passenger rail system through education of the public and government officials.
Our Vision is a comprehensive rail network of long distance, intercity, and regional trains, supported by and integrated with local transit, bicycle access, and pedestrian friendly stations.
We accomplish these objectives via print publications, electronic media, testimony at government hearings, direct contact with elected and agency officials and conferences.